Instant Cheddar Rice

Transform your weeknight meals with this quick and irresistibly creamy Instant Cheddar Rice! Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe combines tender, perfectly cooked long-grain white rice with a rich and velvety sharp cheddar cheese sauce infused with hints of garlic powder and paprika for a subtle kick of flavor. With a handful of pantry staples like butter, milk, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish, this crowd-pleasing side dish pairs beautifully with chicken, grilled vegetables, or any main course. Whether you're searching for a comforting, cheesy rice recipe or a fast way to elevate your meal, this easy cheddar rice is sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.25 cup whole milk
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 0.25 teaspoons paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well.

Step 2

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the water, unsalted butter, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Add the rinsed rice to the boiling water. Stir briefly, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tightly fitting lid, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4

Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and fluff it gently with a fork.

Step 5

In a separate small saucepan, add the shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Stir the mixture continuously over low heat until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 6

Pour the cheddar cheese sauce over the cooked rice and gently mix until the rice is evenly coated.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Optionally, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for garnish before serving.

Step 8

Serve warm as a side dish, and enjoy your creamy Instant Cheddar Rice!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	943.3 grams (943.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1170

Total Fat 80.60g	103%
Saturated Fat 51.30g	257%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 249mg	83%
Sodium 2306mg	100%
Total Carbohydrate 67.00g	24%
Dietary Fiber 1.30g	5%
Total Sugars 3.10g
Protein 50.00g	100%

Vitamin D 63IU	314%
Calcium 1337mg	103%
Iron 4mg	22%
Potassium 384mg	8%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.8%

Protein: 16.8%

Carbs: 22.5%